China still uses R11

A shocking new report has revealed that China is still producing and using the banned R11 refrigerant. Despite the world phasing out ozone depleting substance R11 many years ago, this has now become a problem again – much to everyone’s concern.

According to Cooling Post, a new report – Blowing It – by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) suggests the illegal production and use of the long-banned ozone-depleting chemical CFC11 (R11) is common practice in China.

reveals shocking evidence that the use of CFC11 in the polyurethane foam sector in China is the cause of the recently discovered increases in CFC11 in the atmosphere.

30 or more years ago, CFC11 was commonly used as a refrigerant and in the foam insulation sector. Under the Montreal Protocol, countries agreed to phase out CFC production by 2010, and since 2006 countries have reported close to zero production of CFC11.

In May, a team at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration revealed that atmospheric emissions of CFC11 increased by 25% from 2014 to 2016, with about 13 000t a year that is estimated to have been released since 2013. In addition to an ozone-depleter, CFC11 has a high global warming potential of 4750.

In the wake of this report, EIA investigations uncovered evidence from 18 different companies in 10 Chinese provinces, confirming their use of CFC11 as a blowing agent in the manufacture of foams to insulate buildings and appliances. Company executives are said to have revealed that the use of CFC11 is common practice across the industry.

The EIA is releasing its report in advance of the Open-Ended Working Group of the Montreal Protocol meeting in Vienna this week, where the issue of the rogue CFC11 emissions is likely to be high on the agenda.

“If China doesn’t stop this illegal production, it will imperil our slowly healing ozone layer,” says Alexander von Bismarck, EIA US executive director. “CFC11 is also a super global warmer, making this a serious threat for our climate as well. What we’ve uncovered is a systemic problem, not isolated incidents. It requires a comprehensive nationwide intelligence-led investigation and higher penalties throughout the sector that fit the crime.”

Traders and buyers of CFC11 in China estimate that it is used in the majority of China’s rigid PU foam sector. Nearly all the companies investigated by the EIA indicated that CFC11 formed the majority or all of their production. Several companies were aware that its use was illegal but explained that it was cheaper and made more effective foams.

PU foams are widely used for building insulation as well as appliance insulation, including domestic and commercial refrigerators and freezers. Its manufacture typically involves mixing two components. One component, commonly known as the ‘black agent’ contains an isocyanate. The other ‘white agent’ component contains the polyol premixed with other chemical ingredients and includes the blowing agent such as CFC11.

Clare Perry, EIA UK climate campaign leader, says, “This is an environmental crime on a massive scale. Steps need to be taken to ensure enforcement and compliance with all the obligations of the Montreal Protocol, including new controls on HFCs. How the Montreal Protocol addresses this issue will determine whether it continues to merit its reputation as the world’s most effective environmental treaty.”